3 Benefits I Have Enjoyed in Mentoring Young Entrepreneurs
My ex-boss, when I was in Corporate America, passed away recently. In preparing his eulogy I discovered how much I owed, in my career, to his listening, asking good questions, coaching, building my confidences, and offering honest, straightforward perspective in a tactful way. I had studied at the feet of a master- wasn’t it payback time? Wasn’t it time to continue the long established virtuous cycle where good Mentors create the next generation of Mentors.
It was!
I have provided guidance to early stage entrepreneurs; and, if I say so myself, a few valuable insights. In doing so, I too have benefited. I have benefited enormously. Here are 3 areas where I’ve benefited:
Increased Mojo
I’ve met a new set of people and have an Expanded Network with broader Visibility and Exposure in the community. I have formed new Friendships. If you become a mentor, you will discover that it will expand your circle as a whole new generation gives you Recognition. Your Reputation, which begins to fade, with time, gets a new lease. Influence and Power that had eroded away re-surges.
Rejuvenation
The heady days when I could sort through a multitude of unresolved problems and get the pieces to click into place are now back. The Excitement of building a young business has returned. Besides Personal Satisfaction, there is Pride in improving business skills of another generation. Only mentors understand this: Mentoring isn’t about an experienced person providing counsel, time, and perspective to a mentee. It is about the Mentor hirself getting rejuvenated.
Better Leadership Skills
Many of the people I Mentor are Millennials, a different breed with different values. Working with them forces you into Improved Leadership Skills. You don’t just give knowledge, you increase your own. You learn from them. They are also your teachers. I was a “digital immigrant,” and the “natives” taught me the ways of the new landscape; and now I am using their “street slang”. And I am blogging!
I have learnt that paying it forward is not just a good thing to do- it is what keeps me us agile. Keeps Alzheimer’s disease at bay.
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Dr. Rajiv Tandon is an Entrepreneur, Educator and Mentor. He facilitates peer groups for CEOs of fast-growing companies in Minnesota. To learn more, sign up to get the email newsletter.
